Bat found in Rancho Santa Margarita tests positive for rabies

A bat found at Rancho Santa Margarita Lake has tested positive for rabies. The bat was found on the ground near a walking path around the lake on Thursday, April 17 at around 2:30 pm.

Anyone who may have had physical contact with this bat or saw someone else having contact with the bat is asked to call the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) Communicable Disease Control Division at 714-834-8180 to determine the risk for rabies. This phone line is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Owners of pets who may have had contact with this bat should contact their veterinarian.

The rabies virus is found in an animal's saliva and is transmitted to people by a bite from a rabid animal. Although very rare, contamination of the eyes, mouth or an open wound by the saliva of a rabid animal can also transmit rabies. Most cases of human rabies in the United States in recent years have resulted from bat strains of rabies; bats have very small teeth, and their bites may go unnoticed.

It is essential to ensure preventive treatment is administered to stop the rabies virus from causing illness to anyone who may have been exposed to rabies. Medical assistance should be obtained promptly after exposure so any wound can be cleaned, and preventive treatment can be started. This treatment is safe and effective.

The HCA and Mission Viejo Animal Services Center recommend the following actions to minimize the risk of rabies:

• Avoid all contact with wild animals.
• Vaccinate all cats and dogs against rabies.
• Do not sleep with open unscreened windows or doors.
• If bats are seen inside the house or other structure, close off the area and contact animal control. Once the bat(s) have been removed, close off any areas allowing entrance into the house.
• Do not leave pet food outside where it will attract wild animals.
• Immediately wash all animal bites with soap and water, being sure to flush the wound well, then contact your doctor.
• Report all animal bites to the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center at 949-470-3045.

More information about rabies is available at the Centers for Disease Control website at cdc.gov/rabies.